🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all law links and known rules about recreational and commercial drone use in Mongolia (Ulaanbaatar). Give a 👍 at the end of this post if you enjoyed it & feel free to ask any questions or share your experience in The Forum. Keep in mind that the content below is updated to the best of our ability & does not replace official sources & your own research.
Recreational vs commercial drone use in Mongolia
Mongolia does not seem to differentiate commercial & recreational drone use. However, both are subject to restrictions & a strict code of conduct. Additionally, depending on your drone's weight & your destination within the country, different rules will apply.
✅ In Mongolia, drone laws falls under the Mongolian Civil Aviation Authority (CAAM) & they can be contacted anytime via:
Email: ops@mcaa.gov.mn (for certificates & authorisations) or ans@mcaa.gov.mn (for airspace management).
Phone: (+976) 11 285 013
Can I bring my drone to Mongolia?
✅ Currently, there doesn't seem to be any restrictions on bringing drones within Mongolia as long as your import is considered as legitimate (generally one drone per person).
🚨 Be aware of the airline you purchase to travel as some main ones will only accept your drone on-board if its batteries are detached & placed in a firecase during travel time. Most airlines will have a battery voltage limit based on the recommendation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You can find more info about a specific airline here.
Where can I fly my drone in Mongolia?
✅ We did not find an official fly zone map for drones in Mongolia "If you have more information about this, please share it in the Forum". Thankfully in the meantime, app.airmap.io has listed all flight zones in a convenient way.
Mongolia drone fly map
🚨 You should not fly above or near military installations & strategic infrastructure. Fly away from airports & any aerodromes or airports in the country which have been identified as:
Chinggis Khaan International Airport
Gurvan Saikhan, Umnugovi, Tavan Tolgoi, Khanbumbat & Ovoot Airports
Airport of Bayankhongor
Airport of Khuvsgul
Hovd Aimag Airport
Dornod aimag Airport
Uvurkhangai Airport
Airport of Bayan-Ulgii
Airport of Gobi-Altai
Airport of Zavkhan
Uvs Aimag Airport
Sukhbaatar Aimag Airport
Airport of Khentii
Dundgovi Airport
Bulgan aimag Airport
Airport of Bulgan soum of Khovd
Airport of Tosontsengel soum of Zavkhan
🦅 National parks & reserves are on a case by case permission & you might need to check directly with the local park or reserve authorities.
💡 Spare drone batteries are a must when travelling overseas, they give you more autonomy to fly and take pictures during your trips.
Recreational & Commercial Drone use in Mongolia
✅ You do not need a permission or a license for flying your drone in Mongolia. However, there are strict rules depending on your drone's weight, your flight zones and a code of conduct to follow for all operators.
Additionally, you must fly:
at a maximum altitude of 120 m above the ground.
away from private property, vehicles in movement, people or large crowds & respect individuals' privacy.
a drone weighting less than 25 kg (if heavier, you will need a written consent from the director of the Mongolian Civil Aviation Administration).
after a full check of your drone's capacity of flying (make sure nothing is wrong on it).
at least 4 km away from airports (any airport, seaplane base or area where aircraft or helicopter take off & land) & give way to all other type of aircraft.
only during permitting weather (visibility 3 km) & within your sight at all times.
away from areas where its use could interfere with police or first responders.
avoiding sensitive areas including government or military facilities.
✅ Night flights are authorised if you keep your drone within 100 m from its remote. The Mongolian Civil Aviation Authority also recommends to watch this prevention video made from New Zealand
🚁 If you are considering getting your first drone or upgrade, feel free to check the Drone Gear content we've put together or click on the model you like below to get its full specs. Any purchase done from one of our affiliate links helps Dronemade stay free and available to all.
How to get a permit to fly my drone in Mongolia?
✅ If you want to fly outside all the rules defined above, you would need to apply for a permission prior taking off. This can be done via this simple form to return to ans@mcaa.gov.mm & aga@mcaa.gov.mm & ops@mcaa.gov.mm (all 3)
What do I risk for flying a drone illegally in Mongolia?
The amount & scope of the fine will depend on the nature & severity of your infraction. The judges will also evaluate if you intentionally committed the infraction and/or if you had any commercial purposes to do such.
Where can I get great drone content in Mongolia?
Northern Plains of Mongolia
If you've got everything in order, you can start flying above Mongolia's and maybe even help locals to herd their sheep! This is what Leon Riener, one of our first members from Switzerland, did and the results are epic! Such a great time for all!
Also check out Michael Roberts's Mongolia video featuring several amazing landscapes of Northern and Inner Mongolia!
✅ Please leave a comment or update the Forum when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in the Mongolia! Have fun and safe flight!
Disclaimer: Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information researched, we take no responsibility for any loss, harm or damage caused as a direct or indirect consequence of relying on this information. It is your responsibility to seek advice from qualified local & relevant authorities for needed information about local drone regulations.
Other resource
app.airmap.io (drone fly map Mongolia)
Sources